A virtual simulator to improve weight-related communication skills for healthcare professionals: feasibility study (Preprint)

• DOI: 10.2196/preprints.65949
• Publication Date: 2024-09-09T13:46:21Z
• Authors: Fiona Quigley; Anne Moorhead; Raymond Bond; Toni McAloon; Huiru Zheng
• Keywords: Preprint; Health Professionals

<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> There has been a call to improve training for healthcare professionals (HCPs) on communicating about overweight and obesity at least ten years. Progress made recognizing the impact of weight stigma in pharmacotherapeutics, but challenges remain standardizing quality HCP–patient discussions. In other chronic conditions, emphasizing patient-centered communication helped patient support, such as diabetes care. However, few weight-related studies exist address practical skills needed standards. One potential way is using recent advances technology 3D virtual learning. learning offers safe immersive acquire that benefit from sensitive compassionate reflection feedback. VITAL-COMS (Virtual assessment Skills) new simulation digital tool gaps communication, nutrition knowledge, complexities stigma. </sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> The objective this study was assess feasibility how communicate settings. <title>METHODS</title> A mixed-method pre post examined scenario-based simulator HCP. Participants were students recruited courses or UK-based dietitians, nurses doctors via social media. Analysis improvements self-assessment questionnaire, along with participant feedback questionnaire reflective practice interviews. <title>RESULTS</title> completed by 31 participants; student practicing doctors. Pre scores showed improvement statistical significance (p=0.001). Most participants reacted positively (97%) VITAL-COMS. interviews highlighted neglected relationship between effective appropriate care provided patients living obesity. <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> This shown fit purpose, innovative acceptable teaching evidence-based skills. It enhance amongst HCPs.